At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic students in higher education with tailored 1:1 mentoring sessions.
- Company: Join the National Autistic Society, a leading charity dedicated to supporting autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, paid support time, and opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and motivated team.
- Qualifications: Must be a university graduate with experience working with autistic individuals.
- Other info: Open to all qualified applicants, especially those with autism.
The National Autistic Society offers a student support service across Scotland for autistic individuals in higher education, providing support to enable them to achieve their academic potential. The NAS Student Support service is tailored to the individual needs of students, providing the support they need to help them through college or university.
Specialist Mentors provide 1:1 support, advice and guidance to students during regular (usually weekly) sessions. Most students encounter challenges when entering a new academic and social environment and our Specialist Mentors offer support in various areas including:
- managing change
- disability awareness
- emotion management
- relationships and boundaries
- timetabling and structure
- presentation skills and group work
- independent learning skills
Specialist Mentors provide individualised support to students in higher education and will therefore need to be confident, motivated and resourceful. The successful candidate will be a university graduate with first-hand knowledge of the higher education environment, and experience of working with autistic individuals. We are looking for an excellent communicator who is able to prioritise their work to meet the needs of their students.
As a Specialist Mentor you will be responsible for supporting students at higher educational institutions in Stirling. Ordinarily student support sessions are delivered in person at the student’s university or college, but in some cases we provide support online. You will be joining the Student Support team, which is well established, highly motivated, and completely committed to the outcomes we facilitate for our students.
This is a bank agreement with no fixed hours. You will be paid for your support hours and allocated administrative time as well as any additional hours for training, supervisions, meetings etc.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. The NAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Student Specialist Mentor - Stirling employer: The National Autistic Society
Contact Detail:
The National Autistic Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Specialist Mentor - Stirling
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by autistic students in higher education. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your empathy and ability to provide tailored support during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of autism support and higher education. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to gain insights and make connections that could enhance your application and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your personal experiences and how they relate to the role. If you have experience working with autistic individuals or in educational settings, be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and understanding.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the National Autistic Society's values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about supporting autistic students.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Specialist Mentor - Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and tasks associated with the Student Specialist Mentor position. Familiarise yourself with the support services provided by the National Autistic Society.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience, particularly any work with autistic individuals or in higher education. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to provide individualised support.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your confidence and resourcefulness in supporting students.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free of typos to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Autistic Society
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Specialist Mentor. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges autistic students face in higher education and think about how you can provide tailored support.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with autistic individuals and in higher education. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supported students in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to adapt to individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, convey your empathy and understanding of the unique challenges faced by autistic students. Use scenarios or role-play to illustrate how you would approach various situations, showing that you can provide the emotional and practical support they need.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the Student Support team and their approach to mentoring. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.